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The lowdown on injuries

Impact injuries are going to happen in any contact sport.

The risk of strain and muscle injuries can be reduced and in some cases avoided by doing a proper warm-up.

Proper preparation

Warming-up will get the muscles ready for physical activity and stretching will stimulate the blood flow in the body.

For sports like cycling, cricket, skateboarding etc a helmet and some other protective clothing which is correctly fitted is needed.

Having the right kit for sport is very important.

A first aid kit should be readily available and someone who is trained in first aid should be on hand.

When injuries happen

When children are involved the activity should stop as soon as it becomes clear an injury has occured - especially if it is a head injury.

Act fast, but with caution. Don't try to move an injured child or let anyone else try.

Get professional help as soon as you can if you think it is needed.

Check to see if there is any bleeding, if there is the child must leave the field, and so long as it isn't a serious injury ask them to get up slowly themselves.

If they can't move tell them to stay still and send for expert help.

If the child seems disorientated they could be concussed. If they are they won't be able to continue and will need a medical examination.

Remove a mouth guard if they have one to help breathing and check they haven't swallowed their tongue. If they have, hook it out with your finger immediately.

It is advisable for coaches to attend a first aid course and obtain qualifications:

The BBC Health first aid website has an online course that explores first aid basics, including caring for children (1-7).

BBC Health first aid site

You can find classes local to you or get fast first aid facts from our action files.

Find your local first aid class

Action files

Getting better

Our Sport Academy site has the Treatment Room with in-depth information on common sporting injuries, jargon-busting, features on how top sports stars such as Paula Radcliffe overcame asthma and an email a physio facility.

Sport Academy Treatment Room

Breaks, pains and strains
Read the Academy's guide to common injuries

I make sport fun and enjoyable and do not force them, I show them I enjoy playing and watching.
- Nick Croft, father of three